What can XMTS do?

[ChubRock]

When members are having issues with vendors regarding kilts and kilt-related goods we need a stronger voice when talking to vendors. It would be nice if we had someone (or somplace) to turn to when things go bad or horribly wrong.

I read a magazine for RVing (Recreation Vehicles) and like the letter to the editor section, there is a section dedicated to getting help with vendors. It is amazing how much they are able to help by getting returns, refunds and closure to lingering issues.

You start by showing your legwork and what you have done to communicate with the vendor, then share your results and their responses. Then it gets handed to a moderator/advocate who contacts the vendor on behalf of the member. The results of that contact are shared with the forum members, and it is almost always better than expected. Thus turning a bad situation into a positive marketing opportunity for the vendor and ultimately a happy member who gets what he/she wanted in the first place. There is strength in numbers, and the vendors know that the information is read by thousands. It is in their best interest to fix their issues rather be bashed by members who may have never even dealt with them.

I think our forum is rich enough in its fellowship that we can have such a voice of a stronger consumer advocate. It will all but eliminate flaming of vendors and piling on when something goes wrong, their fault or the members, and provide a benefit to the members of XMarksTheScot.

Your thoughts?